Projects Worth Over ₹200 Crore Dedicated at NIT Rourkela
Rourkela: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday dedicated and laid the foundation stone of multiple infrastructure projects worth over Rs 200 crore at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela. Addressing the gathering, he said NIT Rourkela would emerge as an engine of growth for Odisha and the country in the coming years.
The Union Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Indoor Sports Complex built at Rs 35 crore on the NIT campus. He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new Civil Engineering Department building costing Rs 91.18 crore, a 500-bed student hostel worth Rs 55.35 crore, and a guest house to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 33.51 crore.
Shri Pradhan said the Indoor Sports Complex, which includes a multipurpose hall with badminton courts, an open-air theatre and supporting facilities, will help students excel not only in sports but also in creative and cultural activities. He added that the new academic and residential infrastructure will significantly enhance the learning environment at NIT Rourkela and strengthen its national and global reputation.
Highlighting the importance of Rourkela, the Union Minister said the city is deeply connected with the emotions of the people and stands as a major pillar of industry and education in Odisha and India. He noted that NIT Rourkela is ranked 13th among the top 100 engineering institutions in the country as per the NIRF rankings and has been selected as one of the seven hub institutions under the National Research Foundation’s prestigious PEYAAR programme.
Shri Pradhan cited the example of Koratia Technologies, a startup founded by NIT Rourkela alumni Devendra Pradhan and Biswajit Swain, which is making notable contributions in the defence sector. The company, specialising in underwater robotics, has received an investment of Rs 17 crore from MGF and has secured a multi-crore order to supply indigenously developed underwater remotely operated vehicles to the Indian Navy. He said this reflects how NIT Rourkela has evolved into a problem-solving hub for the nation.
He further stated that modern disciplines such as artificial intelligence and robotics have been integrated into the institute’s academic framework, and expressed confidence that NIT Rourkela will play a key role in strengthening India’s knowledge-based economy.
Referring to industrial growth, Shri Pradhan said the Rourkela Steel Plant is currently producing around five million tonnes of steel annually, and the Central Government has set a target to increase its capacity to 9.8 million tonnes by 2030 with an investment of around Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 crore. This expansion, he said, would generate large-scale employment opportunities.
Looking ahead, the Union Minister said that when Odisha completes 100 years as a separate state in 2036 and India marks 100 years of independence in 2047, NIT Rourkela and the Rourkela Steel Plant will play a decisive role in the nation’s growth story.
During his visit, Shri Pradhan also reviewed the under-construction Kendriya Vidyalaya on the NIT campus and interacted with students, including playing badminton at the newly inaugurated sports complex.
The event was attended by Odisha Assembly Deputy Speaker Bhavani Shankar Bhoi, Rourkela MLA Sarada Prasad Naik, Raghunathpali MLA Durga Charan Tanti, Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathi and other dignitaries.
